Gray’s Reef sanctuary seeks applicants

Special to the Courier

POSTED:October 29, 2012 10:12 a.m.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary is seeking applicants for three seats on its advisory council representing the K-12 education and nonliving resources research communities and one citizen-at-large. The council will ensure public input in sanctuary management and provide advice to the sanctuary superintendent. Candidates will be selected based on their expertise and experiences in relation to the seat for which they are applying, community and professional affiliations, and familiarity with the protection and management of marine resources. Applicants who are chosen for the K-12 education and nonliving resources research seats should expect to serve three-year terms. The applicant selected for the citizen-at-large seat should expect to serve a two-year term.“The sanctuary advisory council provides a vital place for the community and sanctuary management to exchange ideas, discuss issues and share information,’’ sanctuary Superintendent George Sedberry said. “We are excited about the role our advisory council has played in the management of the sanctuary, and we look forward to working with new members.” The council was established in August 1999 to ensure continued public participation in the management of the sanctuary.Applications for the advisory council seat are due Nov. 30. To receive an application kit, or for further information, email council coordinator Becky Shortland at becky.shortland@noaa.gov; call 912-598-2381; or mail to 10 Ocean Science Circle, Savannah, GA 31411.